Bruce Englefield’s decision to include a trip to Tasmania during an Australian holiday 20 years ago followed a conversation with a friend who assured him he would have a ball there given his affinity with animals. But it was the decision taken during that Tasmanian trip which changed the course […]
New Tasmanian chief veterinarian appointed
After an extensive national recruitment process Tasmania’s newly appointed new Chief Veterinary Officer Kevin de Witte started work in January. In announcing the appointment Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett, said de Witte brought with him a wide range of knowledge and skills, having 35 years’ experience in the […]
DFTD: still so many questions
Since the deadly facial tumour disease that has ravaged Tasmanian devil populations in the wild was first observed over 20 years ago, scientists have puzzled over the circumstances that caused it both to emerge, and to spread so rapidly. Two studies published recently provide some insight and perspective on the […]
1080 for Tasmania
In a move which has alarmed conservationists and animal welfare groups, Tasmania’s state government has indicated it would lift the ban on the use of 1080 poison as a control method for browsing animals on agricultural land. During 2006 and in response to growing public concern about the lingering deaths […]